The synthetic pesticide Anvil 10+10 (Sumithrin), used to kill mosquitoes, will be sprayed next week in parts of Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Prospect Lefferts Garden, Prospect Park South, Greenwood Heights, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Sunset Park, and Crown Heights (zip codes 11215, 11217, 11218, 11219, 11220, 11225, 11226, 11232, and 11238).
These neighborhoods are being treated because they're experiencing rising West Nile virus activity and have high mosquito populations.
Spraying will begin at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9th, and finish at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10th. If the weather isn't conducive to spraying during those hours, it'll begin at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 10th, and conclude at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11th.
The specific area that will be sprayed is bounded by
- Atlantic Ave., Carlton Ave., Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park West, 15th St., and 5th Ave. to the north,
- 5th Ave. and 52nd St. to the west,
- Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Ave. to the south, and
- Flatbush Ave. and Franklin Ave. to the east.
A liquid insecticide will be sprayed from trucks to kill adult mosquitoes. Watch a truck spraying pesticide in 2012 at http://nospray.org/2015/09/07/watch-how-nyc-sprays-neighborhoods-by-truck-pesticides-you-wont-believe-it.
Before spraying begins and while it's being done, take precautions to minimize your direct exposure. Also, reduce your exposure to mosquitoes, the carriers of West Nile Virus.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH) explains that
West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause viral encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or viral meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).DOH has published the 41-page "Comprehensive Mosquito Surveillance and Control Plan 2015" and posted it here.
West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. You or your child cannot get West Nile virus from a person who has the disease.
West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected.
New Yorkers can take steps to protect themselves during West Nile virus season by reducing the presence of mosquitoes in their surroundings, and safely using insect repellent.
For more information about West Nile virus, contact the New York City Citizen Service Center, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 311. Or check the DOH website at www.nyc.gov/health/wnv.